Different Kinds of Hurt:

Isaac’s StoryStory by Leigh Hallisey Illustrated by Christina Kelly

Not Every Hurt is Visible.Isaac’s back at school after being in the hospital, but unlike Mia, he doesn’t have a cast or crutches — he

doesn’t even look sick. An honest chat about their anxiety, worries, and pain — both visible and invisible — reveals that whether it’s your body or your mind that is hurting,

sharing your feelings is part of the healing.

mass.gov/dmh

MH6200

201307_HRIA_cover.indd 1 5/2/19 2:09 PM

isaacs-story.com

Different Kinds of Hurt:

Isaac’s StoryStory by Leigh Hallisey Illustrated by Christina Kelly

Hey, Mia! What happened to your leg? Ugh, that

looks painful!

I broke it skateboarding and

had surgery.

Hey, Isaac!

I was in the hospital for a few days, so I’m staying

after for math help.

Actually, I was in the hospital, too. I was

feeling pretty bad, so my Dad took me in.

The doctors said I should stay for a while so they could help

me feel better.

But wait... I haven’t seen you in, like, two weeks. Where’ve you been?

And they didn’t give you one of these AWESOME leg casts?

It’s a different kind of hospital. They help people who aren’t feeling good, but it’s more

like your mind—

—your thoughts and feelings— that needs to

get healthy.

When I landed the wrong way, my leg

bent at a weird angle. The pain

felt like fire!

My friend called 911. How’d you know you

needed to go to the hospital?

Sometimes I get stressed and nervous about taking tests or

the news. But this was different.

I was shaking and I couldn’t breathe. I wouldn’t leave

my room because I was afraid that I wouldn’t be safe.

It was scary.

I’m glad my Dad took me to the hospital to get help.

My doctor, my therapist, and all the adults were awesome!

They understood how I was feeling and listened— without judging me.

I see my physical therapist every week...

...to exercise my leg and make it stronger.

But the doctors said it might still

hurt when I’m older, or even need another

operation.

What if it never gets better?

I asked my therapist the same thing.

He said that I won’t always feel this way...

...because I’m learning all of these ways to take control

of my anxiety.

I worry about things, too...

...like all the work and

pressure to fit in at school.

Yeah, sometimes I wish I could skip over this “being a kid”

stuff and be an adult now!

Same!

OH NO!

I can’t wait to be a firefighter!

I have to be able to run and climb—

—what if my stupid leg gets in the way?

Okay, now I’m super anxious!

I want to be a teacher, but

when I was in the hospital, I thought I’d never be able

to be one.

What would the kids do if I stood there, shaking and sweating?

What if I missed classes

because I was afraid to leave

my house?

And... what are you thinking now?

That nothing is gonna get in MY

way!

Everyone is going through something...

...and we shouldn’t be afraid to be real with

our friends.

I thought people just wouldn’t

want to deal with it.

But instead, they helped

me feel better!

It’s funny... everyone asks me how my leg feels, but I haven’t talked to anyone about how I feel.

It’s really... nice!

Maybe we could text sometimes, just to, you know, check in about this

“being a kid” stuff?

Sure! Hey, can I sign your cast?

20 YEARS LATER...

Story by Leigh HalliseyIllustrated by Christina Kelly

Massachusetts Department of Mental Health25 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114

www.mass.gov/dmh

Produced by FableVision Studios308 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210

www.fablevisionstudios.com

In partnership with:

Walker Inc.1968 Central Ave

Needham, MA 02492www.walkercares.org

Express Yourself100 Cummings Center #165e

Beverly, MA 01915www.exyo.org

201307_HRIA_text.indd 24 5/2/19 2:04 PM

Different Kinds of Hurt:

Isaac’s StoryStory by Leigh Hallisey Illustrated by Christina Kelly

Not Every Hurt is Visible.Isaac’s back at school after being in the hospital, but unlike Mia, he doesn’t have a cast or crutches — he

doesn’t even look sick. An honest chat about their anxiety, worries, and pain — both visible and invisible — reveals that whether it’s your body or your mind that is hurting,

sharing your feelings is part of the healing.

mass.gov/dmh

MH6200

201307_HRIA_cover.indd 1 5/2/19 2:09 PM

isaacs-story.com